Welcome back to Top Shelf Prospects, the daily column that brings you the next crop of professional hockey players. Each day I will bring you a new player profile or topical article in the lead-up to the 2017 NHL Draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow me on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical and critical profiles and scouting reports! Last Word On Hockey Prospects is your new headquarters for everything “NHL Draft”! We have a complete listing of our draft articles here. Today we look at Josh Brook.
The fourth overall pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft, Josh Brook took a big step forward this year. He showed off a strong two-way game for the Moose Jaw Warriors this season. Brook played big minutes for the Warriors, playing on the top pair at even strength, and also contributing to both the penalty kill and power play units. He scored eight goals and 40 points in 69 regular season games, as well as adding two goals and seven points in seven playoff games.
Brook also got experience on the international stage. Following the Warriors first round playoff loss, he joined Team Canada at the IIHF Under 18 World Championships. Brook had two assists in five games at the tournament. He also played in the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Tournament, and in the 2015-16 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.
His younger brother Jakob Brook was recently drafted by the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2017 WHL Draft.
Josh Brook Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #67
Defense — shoots Right
Born June 17th, 1999 — Roblin, Manitoba
Height 6’2″ — Weight 185 lbs [188 cm / 84 kg]
Skating
Josh Brook has a very good first step and strong acceleration. This helps him to retrieve loose pucks and to dart into openings. He is more quick than fast though. This is true in both directions. While his top end speed is good, he is not a speedster. Brook also has very good edge work and and agility. His pivots are crisp and clean. His agility makes him difficult to beat in one-on-one situations, and his overall mobility is a strong asset in his game. Brook also has a strong lower-body. He has good balance when battling for pucks in the corners or fighting for position in front of the net. He also is strong on the puck when carrying it.
Offensive Game
Brook transitions the puck from defence to offence quickly. He can stick handle and skate the puck out of danger. He also has good skills in making a first pass or controlling things at the blue line. He tends to be a bit of a risk taker though, and this can lead to some inopportune turnovers. It is an area of his game that he will need to refine going forward. Overall though he makes more good offensive plays than giveaways and helps his team maintain possession and drive play forward. He can also play the roll of power play quarterback, setting things up on the blue line.
Brook also has a decent shot. His slap shot is accurate and he keeps it low and on net. He also has a very good wrist shot and will pinch in from the point to get it off. His strong lateral agility allows Brook to walk the line, and to open up passing and shooting lanes.
Defensive Game
Brook’s bread and better is his defensive game. He maintains very good gap control, and can be very hard to beat one-on-one. He also clears the front of the net effectively and battles hard in the corners. Brook is not afraid to fight for pucks and to use his frame to contain an opponent, but he is not the type to go looking for a big hit. Instead he looks to get the puck and quickly transition to offense. From time to time he can be a bit over agressive in puck pursuit though, getting him into trouble.
Projection and Comparison
Brook has the skills to be an effective two-way defender at the NHL level. While there is some offensive game there, it is unclear if this is high end skill. It is more likely that Brook brings some offense to chip in on a secondary power play unit. His defensive game is very good, though he still makes some mistakes that are due to a desire to push play, and some youthful immaturity. A good coach should be able to get him to pick his spots better. In terms of a comparison, Josh Brook’s game is reminiscent of Duncan Keith, but this is obviously just a style comparison, and he is not at that level of talent.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of highlights, assembled from Youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect available on our draft board.
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